Libby is HOME!

It was a joyful day for Libby Lehman on Tuesday, January 14, 2014. Libby, a shining star in the quilt world, suffered a stroke in April, 2013. Libby’s sister, Cathy, wrote the following journal post on CaringBridge, and we couldn’t wait to share the news with all of our quilting friends!

LIBBY IS HOME!

What a day! The discharge from TIRR went smoothly and Libby arrived home in the late morning. Lester and Les helped her into and out of the car, and all at once she was sitting in her own living room surrounded by family and friends. She said “I love being home!”

Doris and Diane, Susan, and several others brought balloons, “Welcome Home” signs, flowers, brownies, etc. to make it special for Libby. And Gary’s hard work to make the Lehman home “handicap friendly” really helped. Her wheelchair (she calls it “Franklin”) fit through all the doors on the first floor, and the safety bars are just where they need to be. Bless you, Gary! Thank goodness, the master bedroom is on the first floor, with a large bathroom that is wheelchair accessible and now equipped with a shower chair. Libby’s studio and office are on the second floor which is not accessible for her, but for the immediate future her focus will be on practicing daily skills and continued therapy.

Lester arranged for round the clock nursing assistant help through Yolanda from University Place, with Tiffany there during the day and Hannah there at night, and Yolanda giving them some relief on weekends. Tiffany was there today, and she seems wonderful! She is 26 years old, married to a Houston policeman, no children, and an experienced home caregiver. She is from Louisiana and loves to cook! She also said that although she is not a quilter, she watched several of Libby’s teaching videos on The Quilt Show and has been reading Caringbridge in order to know Libby better. Her comment on the videos was “Circles look hard”. Smart girl!

As per Libby’s request, Les made Libby a grilled cheese sandwich with extra thin white bread, chips, and fresh fruit (including fresh pineapple – Libby’s favorite!) for lunch. She also likes a little ice cream now. (Blue Bell especially). She didn’t like sweets before her stroke, but she said “my taste buds have changed.”

I asked Libby what she wanted to say to all of her “faithful followers” on her first day home, and at first she said emotionally, “That is a hard question.” After a moment of reflection, she said tell them “Thank you for all of your support, kindness and love.”

The story of Libby’s recovery is still unfinished, but it has thankfully moved to a more “comfy” and familiar setting for her. We will continue to report her progress and challenges. Thank you for staying tuned, and for continuing to show so much interest and friendship. We love you all!

Joyfully,

Cathy

In another note on January 16, Cathy added:

Libby is settling in at home and loving it. She told me today, “My house – my rules!” Love her attitude! Today Les took Libby on an adventure….to Walmart! She did well in her wheelchair. They bought a new watch with a large, easy to read face and a big clock for the house. She was exhausted when she got home, but loved the outing. She enjoyed a long nap in the late afternoon. Life is good!

A GREAT BIG HUG from all of us at the American Quilter’s Society, Libby! We’re so happy to hear the great news!

If you would like to leave a note on Libby’s Guestbook at CaringBridge.org, or to keep up with the near-daily reports, please click HERE.

It is wonderful to know that you are home to enjoy your own rules away from any institution. I will always remember the wonderful time I enjoyed when you taught a course in Toronto, On. All the best wishes in your continuing recovery!

Sign up to receive OnPoint updates, FREE from the American Quilter's Society. You'll receive free patterns, video techniques, special deals, and news in your e-mail inbox each week. Stay up-to-date with all things quilting!